5 Goldback - Utah (Revised)

Devotionis (Devotion)

“Out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” — D&C 64:33

The refreshed Utah 5 Goldback embodies the virtue Devotionis, or devotion. She represents the unwavering faith of pioneer settlers in the mid to late 1800s, who devoted years of labor and sacrifice to building a sanctuary in the desert. Rising in the background is the Salt Lake City Temple, a historic landmark that is a physical testament of the pioneer’s commitment and hard work. 

Devotionis stands at the forefront with quiet dedication, holding a Bible in her left hand and a basket on her right arm. The basket overflows with some of the earliest crops harvested in the valley: beets, potatoes, and corn. Behind her grows a native cottonwood tree, its trunk carved with the word “Deseret” in the Deseret alphabet. This phonetic writing system was developed in the 1850s by early Latter-day Saint leaders. Under a UV light, the inscription’s English translation is revealed, highlighting one of Utah’s most distinctive pieces of linguistic history and honoring the state’s original proposed name.

A beehive hangs from branches of the cottonwood tree, representing industry, community, and perseverance. Over time, this symbol has become deeply associated with Utah’s identity. Utah officially adopted the beehive emblem in 1959, and it appears on both the seal and the flag. Honeybees circle Devotionis and UV-reactive ink reveals a delicate honeybee necklace resting against her chest.

The scene reflects the settlers’ unshakable commitment, community effort, and faith-driven labor, all of which shaped Utah’s identity. The enduring principle comes from Latter-day Saint scripture: “Out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” — D&C 64:33